Friday began as a beautiful day in Denver at the National Western Stock Show. Our crew arrived in the wee morning hours and began the preparation of the bulls for the Carload competition in The Yards. In an earlier blog I explained what makes up the carload and thus I won't repeat again. For us the Carload is a very, very important part of what we do.
This year we are very honored and humbled to have been awarded the Grand Champion Hereford Carload for 2011. This is the twelfth (Yes # 12) consecutive Carload Championship that has been won by Star Lake. Many tell us that this feat has not ever been achieved here in any breed period but I'll leave that fact finding to the historians. We feel that it is a strong testament to our cattle, our people and our customers. Throughout the history of Star Lake's participation in this event the vast majority of the bulls have been sold to our customers in our Fall Sale then held, maintained and developed for this event. We are proud that this year that 60% of the Carload bulls had their new owners in attendance to witness and share this historic event.
The Grand Champion Carload trophy is quite a deal in its own right. It is a tremendous award that weighs a ton. There is no greater feeling than having your arms stretched with that trophy. I made a New Years resolution to get more exercise and I think that carrying the Carload trophy should count. What a fantastic feeling...and yes a few tears as well. I can not say enough about our talented staff and crew that make this possible.
I have tried to keep you up to speed on the coming and going of folks as they impact us and what we do here. I kept one of the best for last...my Dad, Jim came in on Wednesday and I think the Denver weather was very similar to what he left in Florida. Couple things on my Dad...in addition to being my partner in Star Lake the two of us have worked together nearly everyday for over 33 years. He will tell you in all that time we have never had a disagreement - once I come around to his way of thinking - no disagreement! As he retired almost a year ago, I have a new appreciation for all he helped me do on a day to day basis...now that I have to do more of it myself. I am so glad to be able to share the Star Lake success of this years National Western with him and the rest of my family and friends.
Today is the National Female Show and we have five heifers making a run. Sadie Prather was working hard on her heifer yesterday in preparation. It will be slightly different for the Star Lake team today as Montie Soules won't be available to us on the halter. Montie is judging the Angus Pens and Carloads today in the Yards and I can't think of many that are better qualified. It is an honor when members of our team are asked to judge and we support each of them in that task.
I would remind each of you to check out our January Stock Show Connection Internet Auction that is currently taking place now through Monday evening at LiveAuctions.tv We will conclude with a bid-off starting at 7 PM (Central) on the night of the 17th. All of the seventeen lots are featured and showcased in the For Sale section of our website and you will find these to be some of our freshest genetics as we feature embryos for the first time out of Olivia, Shiny Pennie and Miss Advance. Selling as well is a great bull STAR SJS Lethal Weapon 220X ET that had a flushmate sell out of the Carload yesterday in Denver. There are very nice heifer calves as well. So jump in and have fun...as always the Star Lake sales on LiveAuctions.tv do not require a paid membership to participate.
Thanks again to all of you for the positive response to this blog attempt. I enjoy the feedback and communicating with the many Hereford friends and followers around the country. I hope to have more exciting tales to tell tomorrow.
Carload lined up.
The carload in the ring.
And the end result of countless hours of work by the best crew you could ask for!
Sadie getting her heifer ready for her mom to show today!
We want to take the opportunity to inform, educate, enlighten and encourage thoughts on topics that impact the technology and philosophy of Herefords and the cattle business.
